Teaching independence in dependence on Christ.

The Religion Called Politics

Republican. Democrat. Libertarian. Conservative. Liberal. You can’t move or breathe today it seems without seeing them battling it out. One thing that has become apparent for all sides is that invoking God is for nothing but a soundbite because they are truly tied to the religion of politics.

If you look up the definition for the word religion, it has several meanings. One of those meanings is this one:

religion – any system of belief, worship, etc. often involving a code of ethics; any object that is seriously or zealously pursued.

The Signs Of A Disciple

So how do you know as a Christian that you’ve fallen into this religion of politics?

1. The first thing you do when you wake up is see what the latest political news is but can’t relate it to eschatology (and you’re not quite sure what that word is).

2. You spend all day promoting political candidates without thinking about giving the gospel once.

3. Your conversations begin and end with the most current political happenings instead of “God willing” or “Amen”.

4. Your internet bookmarks are mostly political vs. Christian at a margin of 10 to 1.

5. Your copy of the Constitution and the 5000 Year Leap is more used than your Bible.

6. You call political talk shows more than your family or church.

7. Your mission is fighting against political enemies instead of spiritual darkness.

8. Most of the books you read are political. That’s why you think “God works in mysterious ways” is a Bible verse.

How many times have we heard that old saying, “Two things you don’t talk about are religion and politics.” The word religion is normally used for any system that mentions God. However, in the last few decades, it’s been referring more to Christianity and specifically in the political arena, conservative Christians. Candidates who believe in Jesus Christ, especially if they’re running for political office, are vilified and said not to be fit for service for having a solid, biblically doctrinal worldview. John Ashcroft comes to mind.

The problem with this is that in far too many cases, people have made the political system their god. This is the equivalent of breaking the first commandment:

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)

Even Christians get caught up in the hoopla, spending more time advancing political agendas than the kingdom of God. People are ultimately putting their hope in an individual or a system that is flawed because man runs it. No matter how good the system a democratic republic is, because mankind is evil, (Luke 11:13) it’s fallible.

Even so, many people think the world will end because Obama is president. They fret and fear over what he’s going to do. Genuine concern is warranted and encouraged. Fear and trepidation isn’t. You see, Obama is in the Oval Office because God is the one who allowed them to be there.

Let that sink in for a minute:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (Romans 13:1-2)

He’s the one who who is sovereign over all (Daniel 4:35). He has used good kings and evil kings all for His glory (Proverbs 21:1). Since God is love (1 John 4:8), goodness (Zechariah 9:17), righteousness (Psalm 71:19), and justice (Jeremiah 50:7), you best believe that no matter how bad it may look that it’s all working out for the purposes of God and that they are good (Genesis 50:20). We can not know everything because our minds are finite. We don’t think like God (Isaiah 55:8-9). If we did, there would have been no need for Jesus to be sacrificed for our evil.

Hold Fast

This is not to say we should abandon the public square, stop debating the issues, and do nothing while unrighteousness and evil runs rampant. We do what we can within the confines of the law to promote what is right for the sake of others (Galatians 6:10). We need that and more of it quite frankly.

However, it is to say that if we stand for God, we need to stand for God everywhere and always. Politics. Art. Philosophy. Media. Everywhere and always (1 Corinthians 10:31). If your faith is REAL and the true God matters, then we do what we do in service to Him in accordance with His word…and not be ashamed of it (Luke 9:26).

Think of this for a moment. What if the United States ceased to exist? No Constitution. No republic. Would you be in despair? What would your hope be in then? If it was in the political system, then you would be lost and hopeless. But if your hope is in the kingdom of God, doesn’t matter what happens to the United States. Grant it, it would be tragic and many would be heartbroken, me included. But ultimately, God’s kingdom trumps the United States by a margin of no comparison.

It’s all a matter of priorities. Don’t lose sight of the big picture.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Thessolonnians 5:12, 1 Timothy 6:12)